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Auto, Home, and Umbrella Insurance in the Time of Pandemic
You are not crazy for asking this question - Can you still change Home Insurers during a lockdown? How do you sign documents, inspections?
The Ins and Outs of Buying Insurance Online during this sad pandemic.
It is simply the most common question I get right now. It has easily replaced the former most popular question: "Why is Home Insurance so Expensive in the Bay Area?"
The new question is all about the complications from COVID19... "Can I still buy home or auto insurance during the Lockdown?"
Find out what's happening in Mill Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
For most insurance agencies the answer is: "Generally Yes."
For my agency - since I work as a remote agency, the answer is simple: "Absolutely you can still buy home, car, and umbrella insurance in Marin County right now." There are of course to tricks to getting this done, a few of which I will not share publicly.
Find out what's happening in Mill Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
However here are a few obvious modifications to the past system:
- All Meetings are happening virtually - Over the Phone or Video.
- Documents are being transmitted mostly via Email.
- Applications are being signed via Document Signing Software.
- It is suggested that payments be made via Credit Card online.
- Post Bind Inspections of your home have changed.
There are of course some other modifications - but many of these depend on the type and kind of home insurance that you might be considering.
One additional question I get is: "If I am working with an agent virtually how do I know that I am dealing with someone legitimately?" That is a solid question. My answer is to check both Google Local and The California Department of Insurance Agent / Agency Lookup Tool. Between these two tools you can be relatively confident you are dealing with a legitimate entity.
The situation with the insurers themselves is different. Some insurer are doing a better job through this lockdown while others are struggling a bit more.
One foot note to this story - the deal with life insurance is unfortunately not nearly as easy.
Scott W Johnson is the Founder, Manager, Chief Officer of Marindependent Insurance Services LLC. CA Lice 0H11625. Johnson provides customized solutions to complex risk problems. Home, Auto, Umbrella, Excess Umbrella, Small Business, Term Life.
